Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Naturally Clean And Fresh...How Elegant!

Do you know what is really elegant? CLEAN and FRESH!

I’ve become obsessed with natural, home-made cleaning products. I have sinus and allergy issues, and dust and allergens are NOT my friends. My Eustachian tubes are sometimes swollen and blocked, and I have an apparently terminal case of post-nasal drip. Also, I’m allergic to my dog, Ralph….and trust me, he’s not going anywhere!

But I’ve discovered that I might also be allergic to the very products that I’m using to clean with. Commercial cleaners are usually harsh and often toxic. So I’ve been researching and experimenting with home-made cleaning products…and I must say, I’m pleasantly surprised and thrilled with the results. The added plus…it’s way less expensive to make your own products, and it’s not really difficult or time-consuming.

The vinegar and water mixture above also makes a great air freshener…just a few spritzes in each room.

Tuck an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator, on the top shelf of a bookcase, on a kitchen counter, or near your pets sleeping area (out of reach)…to absorb odors. Sprinkle a little on your bathmats, on your pet’s bed, and in your shoes too while you’re at it.:)

Also, to make the house smell great, simmer a few cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in a large pot of water, uncovered, for thirty minutes or so.

FURNITURE POLISH

1 cup lemon juice1 TBL olive oil1 TBL waterPut in a spray bottle ~ shake ~ spray onto furniture and rub in a circular motion with a soft cloth. Wait a few minutes, and then wipe off, again in a circular motion, with a clean soft cloth.

BATHROOM/KITCHEN CLEANER

Mix baking soda with a little liquid dishwashing detergent and water for cleaning stovetops, tubs, showers, sinks, grout, toilets, etc….anyplace you would normally use a powdered, abrasive cleaner.

TILE FLOOR CLEANER

Add a cup of white vinegar to a bucket of hot water…

BED LINENS

Put a few drops of a favorite essential oil in a spray bottle filled with distilled water…shake…and spray on freshly laundered linens, or on your pillowcases before you go to sleep.

And for Ralph and his buddies…

HOMEMADE DOG SHAMPOO

This shampoo is specifically formulated to deal with dander, which is the real culprit when it comes to being allergic to your dog. It was suggested to me by a professional groomer to bathe Ralph weekly with this shampoo, to keep his hair trimmed short, and to brush him regularly (a few times a week.) She also suggested wearing a dust mask when I play with him or groom him, but that just feels dumb and Ralph is really offended…

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Carol McNeill

Carol McNeill

I have a theory, that you can learn almost anything you want to know about a person or culture by what they eat (food) how they adorn their bodies (clothing) and where and how they live (shelter).

I'm a writer, artist, designer, foodie, and urban anthropologist of sorts. To me, life is a fabulous adventure, and this blog is my attempt to observe, curate, and write about the things that I find interesting. Welcome to Planet Carol!